Hillary Clinton Delivers Heartfelt Concession Speech: ‘This Is Painful And Will Be For A Long Time’

Hillary Clinton addressed the nation from inside the New Yorker Hotel this morning, making her first public appearance since conceding the presidential election to Donald Trump. Clinton, who was more prepared to give an acceptance speech than announce defeat, walked into the room donning a signature pant suit—black with purple lapels—exuding pride.

Visibly fighting back tears, she cleared her throat and thanked the crowd, who roared with applause. “This is not the outcome we wanted or what we worked hard for,” she said and offered her apologies, but reassured her supporters, “I feel pride and gratitude for this wonderful campaign we built together.”

Clinton made it clear she too feels the sting of Trump’s shocking win. “I know how disappointed you feel, because I feel it too.” She added, “This is painful and it will be for a long time.”

"We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought. But I still believe in America, and I always will." @HillaryClinton

It became alarmingly clear in the early hours of the morning Wednesday that Donald Trump would likely seize the presidency. Tears began to flow and an eerie silence took over the Jacob Javitz Center in NYC where thousands of Clinton supporters gathered, as reality set in.

While Trump is celebrating a shocking win, Hillary Clinton’s camp is left retracing the polling maps, examining the exit polls and wondering what went wrong.

Disappointment. Disbelief. Despair. These are just some of the words that describe how we’re feeling this morning. But Clinton ended her speech encouraging voters to never stop “believing.”

“You will have success and setbacks too,” she said encouraging young women politicians to keep fighting. This loss hurts but never forget that fighting for what’s right is worth it.”

“And to all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.”

Clinton quoted scripture in the final moments of her empowering speech. “Let us not grow weary for doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not let us not lose heart.”